REPORTS FROM EARLY BRITISH CAT SHOWS 1920

1920 SOUTHERN COUNTIES (HOUNSLOW ) CAT SHOW

SOUTHERN COUNTIES’ CAT SHOW Middlesex Chronicle, 3rd January 1920
The Southern Counties’ Cat Show will take place at the Baths Hall on Friday, and local interest has been stimulated by the offer of prizes for feline pets of any variety.

cat show

[HOUNSLOW SHOW] Biggleswade Chronicle, 16th January 1920
In the Daily Mail of Saturday last, the following Interesting paragraph appears: "Cat lovers and fanciers held their first important show since the Armistice at Hounslow Bath Hall, yesterday, the 9th, when the Southern Counties Cat Club secured nearly 500 entries. The long hair cat beat their short haired rival in popularity and points . . . Among the more experienced fanciers, Mrs. F. W. Western, of Sandy, Beds., carried off the principal prizes, a lovely brown tabby securing the award for the best longhaired cat in the show, and also the award for the best cat. Mrs. F. W. Western also won the prize for the best shorthaired cat with a tortoiseshell and white."

MRS. WESTERN'S SUCCESSES AT HOUNSLOW Biggleswade Chronicle, 16th January 1920
Mrs. F. W. Western of "Holme Grove," did splendidly with her cats last week-end at Hounslow at the Southern Counties Cat Show. Sending 14 cats to the exhibition, Mrs. Western secured 19 first prizes, 9 seconds, 4 thirds, 7 championships, and 27 special prizes. She also secured the cup for the best Shorthair cat, and the cup for the best adult Longhair. Mrs. Western’s exhibits registered one long line of successes in all of the classes in which her cats were competing.

1920 BATH CAT SHOW

CAT SHOW AT THE BATHS. SOME OF THE WINNERS. Middlesex Chronicle, 17th January 1920
The first important cat show since the Armistice, the “Victory Show” of the Southern Counties Cat Club, was held at the Baths Hall on Friday in last week, and attracted nearly 500 entries. Some very fine cats were shown, and blues, as usual, were most numerous. A lovely female, Rosalind, shown by Mrs. Bergman, particularly attracted attention. The special award for the best cat in the show was secured by Mrs. Western’s Holme Surprise Packet, a lovely brown tabby long-hair male. A chinchilla. ran it close. Mr. B. Currie scored heavily with his white long-hairs, showing several winners. Miss Hill Shaw exhibited a very handsome smoke, whose pen was always surrounded: by admirers. A smoke also secured first prize in the long-hair neuters. The special prize for the best kitten in the show was secured by’ Mr. Curria for one of his white long-hairs. Mrs. Western showed a very striking pair of tortoiseshells, Holme Lustre and Holme Bridget, and there were some excellent chinchilla kittens.

A novice, Mr. J. H. Benrimo, secured the leading awards for those strange but fascinating Siamese cats, showing four very fine specimens. Lady Alexander won all the prizes for both white and black short-hairs, male and female. The special prize for the best short-hair cat was awarded to Mrs. Western for a tortoise and white. The second best short-hair, a red tabby, Wynnstay Goldmine (also shown by Mrs. Western), was thought by many to be a finer cat.

The local arrangements for this show were under the supervision of Mrs. Armstrong, of 64, Bath-road. whose zealous work was admitted by the promoters to have materially assisted in securing the great success that attended the venture.

In Class 76, open to cats of any variety, age, colour or gender, there was a large number of entrants. Master W. J. Scott, The Vicarage, Feltham, took 2nd prize for a rich coloured black, and Mrs. Bates, 11, St. Dunstan’s-road, received a v.hc Master J. Depledge, of Whitcombe Lodge, Hounslow, carried off the special prize, with his beautiful orange long-haired male, “Fou-Fou.” Miss H. Richards, 80, St. Stephen’s-road, Hounslow, penned a glorious white male, Mrs. George Hanson a black, and Master A. Asprey a blue and white.

“The Bride of Lammermoor,” a gorgeous Blue Persian, who is already famous in the cat world, owned by Mr 3. Armstrong, was prevented from displaying her beauty in the large class for blue females owing to indisposition, but her son, “The Panther,” owned by Mrs. R. Depledge, took 3rd prize in a class where, unless with exceptionally high points only a 1st would have been awarded. “The Panther” weighs about 14lbs., is only eight months old, and is a glorious pale blue with deepest copper eyes, and heavy coat, and is evidently kept and groomed under the best of conditions. His sister, ‘‘Posy of Woodville,” owned by Miss Vickers, was shown in the kitten class.

The special correspondent of yesterday’s “Fur and Feather” says:- “l feel quite sure that a debt of gratitude is due to Mrs. Armstrong, of Hounslow, for the splendid way in which she worked to advertise the show. She posted many bills herself; and obtained accommodation near the hall for exhibitors.”

1920 CROYDON CAT SHOW

PRIZES FOR PUSSIES Norwood News, 23rd July 1920
The first show of the Croydon cat centre brought nearly 150 animals from all over the country to St Michael’s Hall, West Croydon, on Thursday. Mrs F.W. Western’s tortoiseshell and white short hair Holme Victorine took the cup for the best exhibit. The special for the best kitten went to a beautiful white Persian owned by Mr B. Currie of Farnborough. The Southern Counties Cat Club specials were taken by Mr Currie and the Misses Elliott.

PUSSY ON SHOW Daily Herald, 23rd July 1920
The only cat show in London this summer was held yesterday by the newly-formed Croydon Cat Club, when 150 animals from all parts of the country were shown. Having in January at Hounslow taken the champion award as a kitten, Mrs. Western's tortoiseshell, Holme Victorine, is now on top as the best cat in the show. The best kitten is Mr. B. Currie's beautiful white Persian. Miss Langston's little chinchilla, Armida of Allington, was a prolific prize- winner.

”BLUE-EYED MOLLIE.” INTERESTING FREAK IN BLACK CATS AT CROYDON SHOW.
Daily News (London), 23rd July 1920 Have you ever seen a black cat with blue eyes? Notice all the black cats to-day and you will find they have yellow or orange coloured eyes. Women who prided themselves on their knowledge of cats threw up their hands when they saw “Blue-Eyed Mollie” at the Croydon Cat Show yesterday. She is a wonderful animal with “forget-me-not” eyes and mysterious pedigree. She was variously described as “a freak,” a “feline phenomenon,” “rarer than a white-face n*gger,” and “the only cat of her kind in the world.”

But is a black cat with blue eyes lucky? If Blue-Eyed Mollie were to cross Mr. Lloyd George’s path this morning would there be no General Election next year or the year after? If she strolled across the stage on the first night of a play would that play be a success? Cat fanciers since they have been introduced to Mollie with the sky-blue eyes cannot agree on points like these. She was exhibited by Miss F. Moore. Blue-Eyed Mollie was asleep when a “Daily News” representative called on her at No. 122 in the Show, and it was necessary to wake her to see the colour of her eyes. When she opened them the effect was almost startling, unreal; she looked like a toy black cat with glass eyes of blue that were meant for a fair-haired doll. She is not a kitten, but is shown in the short-hair adult class over nine months. This strange blending of black and blue made a great impression on Sir Claud Alexander, who visited the show as judge, and she was awarded a prize.

But why, it may be asked, is the cat cult waning? The Croydon Cat Show is the only show to be held so far in London this summer. The entries were 196. It may be that the cats are having their day and that cats have become unfashionable on account of the war. “People who used to go in for cats now lavish their love and their money on toy dogs,” said a cat fancier who attended the show. Cat fanciers are grumbling because they say cats are going to the dogs.

CAT SHOW IN CROYDON. SOME FINE EXHIBITS. LOCAL PRIZE WINNERS. Croydon Times, 24th July 1920
The annual summer show of the Croydon Cat Club (open to all) was held at St. Michael's Hall, Croydon, on Thursday, under the presidency of Lady Alexander, and the arrangements were admirably carried out by the following ladies of the Committee: Mrs. Carew Cox, Miss Adams, Miss Hill Shaw, Miss Fisher, Miss M. Perkins, Miss Langston, Miss C. Morton; Chairman, Miss Lea; Hon. Sec., Miss H. Hill Shaw; Hon. Treasurer, Miss Perkins. The judges were Miss Lea, Mrs. Hume Barker, Miss Savory and Sir Claud Alexander.

There were 143 entries from all parts of the United Kingdom for the 62 classes, the largest being for long hair blue kittens under four mouths, of which there were over 30 entrants for the two classes. The Challenge Cup for the best cat or kitten in the show was won by Mrs. F. W. Western, of Biggleswade, with a handsome tortoiseshell, "Holme Victorine." The special for the best kitten in the show was won by Mr. B. Currie, of Farnborough, with a beautiful White Persian. Blue Persians made a capital show, as did also Chinchillas, but the long hairs had to give way to the short hairs for the premier honours for the best in the show, which is probably due to the fact of the Persians being out of coat about this season.

Lady Hulbert's Cup for the best blue litter was won by Mrs. Newman, of Berkhamstead, with a perfect pale blue litter of 4 males and one female. The Hendon Challenge Trophy for the best pair of kittens was of the same strain by Blair Athol, with a couple of blue kittens, exhibited by Mrs. Ainger, of Hatherden, Andover. The local winners were:

LONG HAIR CLASSES.
In the Long Hair Adults (over 9 months), Miss H. M. Perkins, 145, Brigstock-road, Thornton Heath, won 1st in Blue Male with "Dandy of Hadley"; 1st in Blue Female with "Glen Mollie"; 2nd in any colour novice with "Dandy of Hadley."
Miss H. Hill Shaw. 15, Elgin-road, Addiscombe, was 1st in Smoke Male or Female with " Shaitan’s Son of Cademuir."
In the long-hair kittens classes Mrs Saunders, of 5, West-street, Croydon, won a third prize with "Togo" in the black male or female class.

SHORT HAIR CLASSES
In the short hair classes (over nine months) Manx male or female, Miss H. Hill Shaw won first, second and third, and the National Manx Club's special for the best Manx, "Quayle," the winner of its class, and the special for the best head in British adult males with "Finchley War Time," the third prize winner in its class.
In the Blue Male or Female class Mrs. Carew Cox, or 71, Clyde-road, Addiscombe, won a first with "Princess Pixie"; first in . the blue foreign type with "Prince Gordi Malchie"; first in any colour breeders with "Princess Pixie"; first with any colour novice with "The Flapper," which also took the first place in the Abyssinian male or female class, the second and third in this class going to the same owner. "The Flapper" also won the Shorthaired Cat Society's Cup for the best female.
The third prize for the neuter class went to Miss H. M. Perkin's "Peter Ivan."
In the short-hair kitten (under nine months), Miss H. Hill Shaw's "Soo Fah" won a second for the Siamese female class.
Mrs. Carew Cox, with "Ras Ora," was first in the Abyssinian and special for the best foreign kitten. The same kitten was second in any colour breeders.
Mrs. Clark's "Katie" (9, Alexandra-road, Croydon) won the first in the working people's class for long or shorthair kitten.

FELINE BEAUTIES. West Sussex Gazette, 29th July 1920
About 150 cats arrived in Croydon last week from all over the country for the first show of Croydon Cat Club, of which Lady Alexander is president. They were not penned in giddy luxury. One or two sat on strips of art-shade material more or less matching their coats. Some sported fancy ribbon bows, but the great majority nestled unadorned on comfortable beds of sweet hay. Mrs. Western's Holme Victorine, a coming queen of the cat world, of tortoise-shell and white, took the premier award. She was in the same happy position, as a kitten, at the Southern Counties show at Hounslow in January. Another tortoiseshell, owned by Mrs. Esdaile, was almost obscured from view by prize cards – three firsts and nine specials. The best kitten was a beautiful white Persian, with blue eyes, belonging to Mr. H. Currie, of Farnborough. The specials were about 100, thanks largely to the support of kindred clubs

OVERHEARD OF CROYDON CAT SHOW West Sussex Gazette, 25th November 1920
Lady Exhibitor (offering milk to her tortoise-and-white feline), "Have some milk, my darling. No? You are unhappy, then, weeetheart. Well my previous, we shall soon be going home to be comfy, comfy."

cat show

1920 CRYSTAL PALACE CAT SHOW

RE-OPENING OF THE CRYSTAL PALACE Sheffield Evening Telegraph, 6th March 1920
The imperial War Museum is likely to be at the Palace for several years. Space, however, is being left in the central transept for concerts and the various events which are held there in the course the year, such as the annual cat and dog shows.

CATS AGAIN. Daily Mirror, 8th December 1920
At the end of this week the cats are to have their first show since the war at the Crystal Palace. Chatting yesterday with Miss Vallence, president of the National Cat Club, I was told that entries had simply poured in, and the Palace would be thronged with society fanciers as it used to be.

CAT SHOW Dundee Evening Telegraph, 13th December 1920
Pussy at the Crystal Palace. When the National Cat Club held its first show at the Crystal Palace entries were so few that at the lost moment the committee pressed into publicity the cats belonging to employees in suddenly-arranged "working men's" classes. No such camouflage will be necessary on Wednesday, when the club resumes its two days' show. Upwards of 350 entries, including a number of Siamese, have been made. One of the awards will be a lightning sketch by Mr Louis Wain of the best cat in the show.

THE CAT SHOW. Pall Mall Gazette, 16th December 1920
At the National Cat Club meeting at the Crystal Palace there are about 350 entries, and a record number of Siamese cats have been shown, I hear. This breed is becoming very popular, they are both intelligent and affectionate, and are rather extraordinary looking cats, for they possess brilliant blue eyes. Another variety which always comes in for a great deal of admiration are the Blue Persians, while there are quite a number of Abyssinian and Manx cats entered. The slightest sign of a tail on the latter breed is a disqualification.

CATS WITHOUT PEDIGREES Daily Herald, 16th December 1920
Nearly 200 cats were shown the National Cat Club's Championship Show, which opened yesterday at the Crystal Palace. The majority had no pedigree, and in hardly any case was the father's identity known. Some of the names were surprising, e.g., "Holme Victorine," "Ballochmyle Pussyfoot," and "Ballochmyle Hell Fire " (by "Fiery Furnace").

cat show

DEMOCRATIC FELINES. Leeds Mercury, 16th December 1920
The cat show held the Crystal Palace to-day presented a far more democratic appearance than the recent dog show. Even the most aristocratic entrants were satisfied with a plain little cage, and, disdaining the toilet "gadgets" which seem indispensable in the case of the pedigree dog, performed their own ablutions. Again, no dog dare show his face at an exhibition unless able to trace his ancestry for several generations back. To-day one saw cats, probably the result of some liaison in feline high life, abandoned at birth, who could lay no claim to a knowledge of either father or mother. [Breeders were rebuilding some breeds using typy cats that had strayed or been abandoned during the war]

CAT SHOW AT THE PALACE Sydenham, Forest Hill & Penge Gazette, 17th December 1920
Revived after a lapse of seven years, the National Cat Club’s thirty-first championship show was opened at the Crystal Palace on Wednesday, and continued yesterday. A surprisingly large number of people visited the show. Many special prizes and championships were awarded, and there were seventy-seven classes of every prominent variety of cat. In the long-haired section the championship in white males went to Mr. B. Currie’s Minley Snowstorm, and the same gentleman’s Minley Snowflake was declared champion white female. In black females, Miss Bowtell’s Zulanda won first and championship, and the honourable Mrs. McLaren Morrison’s Sambo was best black male. Mrs. Stephen Milord o’ Mendip led in blue males, and Mrs. McCowall’s Blythswood Stella was the best blue female. Other first prize-winners in blues were Miss J.M. Fisher’s champion Azure of Hadley, and Mrs. Esdaile’s Barry Bluejohn. Among reds Mrs. Furness won with Rutland Reddy, and Dr. Noel Alder with Little Dorrit of Aldrington. Leaders in tortoiseshells were Mrs F.W. Western’s Holme Model Maid, and Mrs. Esdaile’s Barry Sunrise. The Honourable Mrs. Behrens (Malton) won in creams, and a championship went to Mrs. F.W. Western’s brown tabby, Holme Surprise Packet. In Chinchilla males Miss Mustill won with Sir Bevois, and the champion female Chinchilla was Miss E. Langston’s Dulcibella of Allington. The champion silver was Miss H.M. Robert’s Felix of Frampton. Miss Langston led in the brace class. Winners among long-haired kittens were Mr. B. Currie’s Minley Coming Star, Mr. E. Lacey-Hulbert’s Chrota, Mrs. S. Sharp’s Sunshine, Mrs. Newman’s Incents Ray II., Mlle. Verthier-Mansuet’s Clytie of Inglewood, Mrs. F.W. Western’s Holme Ruddy Pip, Mrs. Noye’s Cherry Blossom, Mrs. Singleton’sTarzan of the Cottage, Mrs. Aubrey’s Prince Tertius. Miss Stein’s Joanna of Hattonburn, and Mrs Esdaile’s Barry Rufus.

The Siamese section was a strong one. The champion male was Miss Fualkner’s Slightly and champion female Miss C. Fisher’s Kinkina. Slightly went through all his classes. The best Siamese kitten was Miss Fisher’s Ruan of Cornwall, and the best brace Mrs. Robinson’s Litabois and Bigabois. Mr. Shakespeare won the team (three) class.

The champion of the short-haired section was Lady Alexander’s Ballochmyle Billy Bump a white now eight years old and possessed of the beautiful blue eyes looked for by the connoisseur in white cats. The leadere in blues was Mrs. Harpur’s Blue Rebel of Plaicy, and the winning black male was Lady Alexander’s Ballochmyle Hell Fire. Her Ballochmyle Haggis won in black females, and her Mrs. Pinch in brown tabbies. Mrs F.W. Western’s Wynstay Goldmine led in red males. Dr. Noel Alder’s Sweetheart of Aldrington led in silver tabbies. Lady Alexander’s Patchwork was best in the tortoise and white lot, and Miss H. Hill Shaw was first and second in Manx, as was Mrs. Carew Cox in Abyssinians. The last named lady led in both brace and team classes. Other class winners included Miss F. Moore’s blue-eyed Molly, Madame Dolli’s John Bull, and Miss Busteed’s Mikado.

The show was stage and managed by Sir Claud Alexander, Miss Lea, Miss Savory (hon. Secretary) and Mr. A. Shakespear.

CAT SHOW Forest Hill & Sydenham Examiner, 17th December 1920
At the show of the National Cat Club at the Crystal Palace on Wednesday and Thursday, cats of all kinds were on view. The champion entrant was Redland Reddy, who turns the scale at 16lb., is 3-and-a-half ft long, and is of a bright orange colour. His owner would not take £50 for him.

RED CAT Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette, 18th December 1920
At the show of the National Cat Club, opened at the Crystal Palace, the prize for the champion cat was given to Mrs Furness’s Rutland Reddy, a magnificent red-shaded male. The winning animal, which was held up for everyone to see, looked very bored, but became wide awake a minute later when his photograph was taken by flashlight. He is to have the additional privilege of being sketched by Mr Louis Wain.

cat show

THE CHAMPION CAT Aberdeen Press and Journal, 20th December 1920
At the championship show of the National Cat Club held at the Crystal Palace, the prize for the champion cat of the show was given to Mrs Furness’s Rutland Reddy, a magnificent red-shaded male. The selection of the champion is a very solemn rite. The successful animals in the various classes are placed on a high platform. They are then minutely examined by a party of judges . . . one potential champion spoiled his chances by escaping from his pen just before the judges came round. His owner was not present, and the cat refused to be enticed from his place of hiding to his cage.

CATS AT THE PALACE. TOO COLD TO BE COMFORTABLE. Norwood News, 24th December 1920
After a lapse of seven years, the National Cat Club's 31st championship show was held at the Crystal Palace on Wednesday and Thursday of last-week under unfavourable climatic conditions. So uncongenial was the temperature in the show hall that the majority of the exhibitors humanely withdrew their pets after the opening day. There were seventy-seven classes of every prominent variety of cat.

The championship in white males went to Mr. B. Curie's Minley Snowstorm and the same gentleman's Minley Snowflake was declared champion white female. In black females, Miss Bowtell's Zulanda won first and championship, and the Hon. Mrs. McLaren Morrison's Sambo was the best black male. Mrs. Stephens's Milord o' Mendip led in blue males, and Mrs. McCowall's Blythswood Stella was the best blue female. Other first prize-winners in blues were Miss J. M. Fisher's champion Azure of Hadley and Mrs. Esdaile's Barry Bluejohn. Among reds Mrs. Furness won with Rutland Reddy, and Dr. Noel Alder with Little Dorrit of Aldrington. Leaders in tortoiseshells ware Mrs. F. W. Western's Holme Model Maid and Mrs. Esdaile's Barry Sunrise. The Hon. Mrs. Behrens (Malton) won in creams, and a championship went to Mrs. F. W. Western's brown tabby, Holme Surprise Packet. In Chinchilla males Miss Mustill won with Sir Bevois, and the champion female Chinchilla was Miss E. Langston's Dulcibella of Allington. The champion silver was Miss H.. M. Roberts's Felix of Frampton. Miss Langston led in the brace class.

Winners among long-haired kittens were Mr .B. Currie’s Minley Coming Star, Mr. E.Laceu-Hulbert’s Chrota, Mrs. S. Sharp's' Sunshine, Mrs. Newman's Incents Ray I, Mlle Verthier-Manquet's Clytie of Inglewood, Mrs. F. W. Western's Holme Ruddy Pip, Mrs. Noye's Cherry Blossom, Mrs. Singleton's Tarzan of the Cottage, Mrs. Aubrey's Prince Tertius, Miss Stein's Joanna of Hattonburn, and Mrs. Esdaile's Barry Rufus.

In the Siamese section the champion male was Miss Faulkner's Slightly, and champion female Miss C. Fisher's Kinkina. Slightly went through all his classes. The best Siamese kitten was Miss Fisher's Ruan of Cornwall, and the best brace Mrs. Robinson's Litabois and Bigabois. Mr. Shakespeare won the team (three) class. The champion of the short-haired section was Lady Alexander's Ballochmyle Billie Bump, a white. The leader in blues was Mrs Harpur's Blue Rebel of Plaicy, and the winning black male was Lady Alexander's Ballochmyle Hell Fire. Her Ballochmyle Haggis won in black females, and her Mrs Pinch in brown tabbies. Mrs. F. W. Western's Wynstay Goldmine led in red males. Dr. Noel Alder's Sweetheart of Aldrington led in silver tabbies. Lady Alexander's Patchwork was the best of the tortoise and white lot, and Miss H. Hill-Shaw was first and second in Manx, as was Mrs. Carew Cox in Abyssinians. Other class winners included Miss F. Moore's blue-eyed Moll,. Madame Dolli's John Bull, and Miss Busteed's Mikado.

1920 REGIONAL CAT SHOWS

WALSALL FUR AND FEATHER SOCIETY Walsall Observer, 21st August 1920
Walsall Fur and Feather Society Trades Exhibition and Cat Show, October 8th and 9th, in Corporation Baths (by kind permission of Baths and Park Committee). Apply R. Greenhough, 6a, Hall Lane, Walsall.

BABIES, DOGS AND CATS. SHOW IN THE PARK Bexhill-on-Sea Observer, 14th August 1920
The Cat and Dog Shows formerly held from time to time in Egerton Park will be revived on Wednesday, the 25th inst., in the novel form of a three-fold show for babies, dogs and cats. This will be open to any visitors or residents, with a small entry fee.

BABIES, DOGS AND CATS. SHOW IN EGERTON PARK Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle, 28th August 1920
A very successful fete was held on Wednesday last in Egerton Park, Bexhill, when an exhibition of babies, dogs and cats were included . . . there were many beautiful members of the feline tribe in the exhibition, and the owners thoroughly deserved the prizes secured.
CATS. Miss Hankin’s Joey; 2, Mr. Read’s; 3, Miss Stone’s Tibby; 4, Mrs. Miller’s Bubbles.

THURLOW & DISTRICT FLOWER AND POULTRY SHOW Bury Free Press, 19th June 1920
Thurlow & District Flower and Poultry Show will be held on Saturday, July 10th. The Show will include . . . Poultry, Pigeons, Rabbits, Cats, Ferrets . . . .

[LANARK SHOW] The Scotsman, 10th July 1920
Upper ward of Lanarkshire Agricultural Association Open Show in the Burghland Park at Lanark on Saturday, 17th July 1920. Horses, Cattle . . . Poultry, Pigeons, Dogs, Cats, Rabbits &c. [Dogs were restricted to 20 mile radius due to rabies restrictions]

LANARK SHOW The Scotsman, 19th July 1920
The 37th annual open show of the Upper Ward of Lanarkshire Agricultural-Association was held on the Burghland Park , Lanark , on Saturday. The entries ' in the agricultural sections numbered 558, dogs 58, and poultry, cats , and rabbits 396 - a total of 1012, being some 200 up from last year, and comparing favourably both in numbers and quality with pre-war events.

HANBOROUGH AND FREELAND HORTICULTURAL SHOW Oxfordshire Weekly News, 15th September 1920
A successful show in connection with the Hanborough and Freeland Horticultural Association was held in Mr W. Parker’s field at Long Hanborough, on Saturday week.
Cat – 2, Mrs W.P. Mansell; 3, Mrs Fletcher.

FUR AND FEATHER HOW. SUCCESSFUL REVIVAL AT SITTINGBOURNE East Kent Gazette, 13th November 1920
The fifteenth annual show of the Sittingbourne and District Fur and Feather Society took place at the Town Hall, Sittingbourne, on Wednesday and Thursday . . . the first since 1913, and considering . . . how stocks have been run down . . .
Cats, A.V., male or female – 1st, Mrs Freeman; 2nd, W. Phipps; 3rd, miss Queenie Hedge; vhc, Miss Marcer.

FANCIERS' SHOW. FAMOUS EXHIBITS AT THE CORN EXCHANGE. ARISTOCRATS OF THE FUR AND FEATHER WORLD Western Daily Press, 6th December 1920
It is rather an interesting fact that while in the more serious affairs of life the problems of reconstruction after the war have been so difficult to solve, the lighter aspects - sport and hobbies - are now more flourishing than ever . . Wednesday the most successful dog show ever held in Bristol took place at the Colston Hall, and on Saturday the show of poultry, pigeons, rabbits, and cage birds, organised at the Corn Exchange, opened under conditions that indicate a record in many respects. Amid all the unrest and troubles of the time it is good to know that men and women can turn their minds to pleasure and utility hobbies and enter into them whole-heartedly. The fancier world - whether it is dogs or pigeons, poultry, rabbits, cage birds, or white mice - is very largely peopled by the working classes, and it is all for the good of the country that hard-working, hard-thinking men and women can spend their spare time this way.

WHERE ARE THE CATS? The show the Corn Exchange was the 29th promoted by the Bristol Association, and the members can be congratulated very heartily upon bringing together such a remarkably fine collection of exhibits. Only one feature, proved a disappointment. Originally cats were included, but there were no entries. Some years ago, exclusive and well-bred cats were very popular in this district. The late Mr Charles Lane, while living at Downend, had an exceptionally fine "cattery," and his blues. tabbies, smokes, tortoiseshells, and silvers were famous all over the country. But now prize-winning pussies seem quite neglected here, and there was not a single entry at the Com Exchange show. Perhaps it was well that the classes had be cancelled, for there was no room for them.

MESSYBEAST.COM HISTORY INDEX

You are visitor number